When a Home Oxygen Service is no longer required, it is essential that the supplier be informed as soon as possible so that the service can be withdrawn. Equipment may need to be removed for a number of reasons including death of the patient, or where a healthcare professional determines that the patient no longer has a need for oxygen therapy. The supplier will continue to provide the required service, and therefore charge for it, until notified of its withdrawal.
Where oxygen equipment is no longer required a healthcare professional, member of patient's practice staff, or PCT may notify the supplier that the service should be withdrawn. A member of the patient's family, relative or carer may notify the supplier only in the event of the death of the patient. Where a PCT is notified that the service is no longer required, it should ensure that the supplier has been informed.
Subject to satisfactory access being available, the supplier will remove the oxygen equipment within 14 working days of notification. The supplier will cease to charge for the service to that patient from the date of notification.
PCTs should not be charged for any equipment that the supplier is unable to recover. This should have been covered in calculating per diem costs by the supplier.
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